Multi-layer absorbing coaster

ABSTRACT

A multi-layer absorptive coaster includes a bottom layer comprising a waterproof, resilient, slip-resistant material, such as neoprene. Intermediate and top layers comprise fabric with a blend of polyester and cotton. Printing can be applied to the top layer. The material layers are bonded together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to coasters, and in particularto a multi-layer coaster comprising one or more materials withliquid-absorptive properties.

2. Description of the Related Art

Drinking vessels, such as bottles, cans, glasses, cups and the like areavailable in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials. However, inuninsulated vessels, chilled beverages and other contents typicallycause condensation from exposure to the ambient atmosphere. Among thefactors affecting surface condensation are the ambient humidity leveland the temperature of the liquid contents. Generally speaking, higherambient humidity levels and colder liquid content temperatures tend toincrease condensation volume.

Drink coasters are commonly used for absorbing condensation andprotecting furniture on which they are placed. Coasters have previouslybeen made of various materials, including cellulose compositions (e.g.,paper and fibreboard), plastic, cork, wood and leather. In addition toabsorbing moisture, coasters are commonly imprinted with various graphicindicia, including text, designs, logos and commercial material.Commercial printing processes are in common use for mass producing suchprinted materials.

Another functional criteria for drink coasters relates to resistingsliding on hard surfaces, such as countertops, tabletops, etc. Spillageand other mishaps can thus be minimized. Still further, coasters canprovide impact-absorbing protection for furniture pieces on which theyare placed.

Heretofore there has not been available a multi-layered absorptivecoaster with the advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the practice of the present invention, a multi-layer coaster isprovided for absorbing moisture and placing a vessel on a hard surfacein an anti-slip, protective relationship. The coaster comprises a bottomlayer of a waterproof, anti-slip material, such as neoprene, and atleast one upper layer of fabric, such as a polyester and cotton blend.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a coaster embodying an aspectof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented inthe view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” referto directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric centerof the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Saidterminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivativesthereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Coaster 2

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 2generally designates a coaster embodying an aspect of the presentinvention. Without limitation on the generality of useful constructions,the coaster 2 is shown with a neoprene bottom layer 4, an intermediatecotton and polyester blend layer 6 and a top layer 8, also comprising ablend of cotton and polyester. The specific ratio of cotton andpolyester in the intermediate and top layers 6, 8 is preferably chosenfor its suitability for the particular application of the coaster 2. Forexample, a 50%-50%, blend is generally suitable for providing moistureabsorption and entrapment, in addition to providing a printable surfacematerial adapted for various printing processes, such as screenprinting. Various subject matter 10 can be printed on the top layer 8,including digital images provided by individual customers for customizedsets of coasters and logos for commercial establishments.

The bottom layer 4 is preferably waterproof in order to avoid saturationand to minimize the possibility of water damage to the underlyingstructure from liquids soaking through the bottom layer 4. The bottomlayer 4 is also preferably resilient and impact resistant, with acertain thickness (e.g. in the range of about ⅛″ to ⅜″) in order toprotect the underlying surface. Still, further, the bottom layer 4preferably as a relatively high coefficient of friction in order toavoid sliding on hard, smooth surfaces, such as tabletops andcountertops. In addition to the functional features described above, thecoaster 2 is preferably capable of being washed in an automaticdishwasher for reuse indefinitely.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in variousforms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above andshown in the drawings. Other materials and components can be utilized.For example, it will be appreciated that a wide range of compatiblematerials may be utilized. Moreover, they can be bonded together usingvarious suitable techniques, such as adhesives, pressure bonding,stitching, mechanical fasteners and the like. Still further, the coaster2 can be formed in various configurations, such as basic geometricalshapes and fanciful configurations.

1. A multi-layer absorptive coaster, which comprises: a bottom layercomprising a waterproof material; a top layer comprising awater-absorptive, printable material; and said top layer being bonded tosaid bottom layer.
 2. The coaster according to claim 1, which includes:said bottom top layer comprising neoprene.
 3. The coaster according toclaim 1, which includes: said top layer comprising polyester and cottonfabric.
 4. The coaster according to claim 1, which includes: anintermediate fabric layer bonded to said bottom layer; and saidintermediate layer comprising a polyester and cotton blend.
 5. Thecoaster according to claim 1, which includes printing on said top layer.6. The coaster according to claim 1 wherein said bottom layer isresilient and waterproof.
 7. The coaster according to claim 1 whereinsaid upper layer is printable and water-absorbent.
 8. A multi-layerabsorptive coaster, which comprises: a bottom layer comprising neoprene;an intermediate layer bonded to the bottom layer and comprising fabricwith a blend of approximately 50% polyester and 50% cotton; and a toplayer bonded to said intermediate layer and comprising fabric with ablend of approximately 50% polyester and 50% cotton.
 9. The coasteraccording to claim 8, which includes: said layers being bonded togetherby one or more bonds and chosen from among the group comprisingadhesive, stitching and mechanical bonds.
 10. A multi-layer absorptivecoaster, which comprises: a bottom layer comprising neoprene with athickness in the range of approximately ⅛″ to ⅜″; an intermediate layerbonded to the bottom layer and comprising fabric with a blend ofapproximately 50% polyester and 50% cotton; a top layer bonded to saidintermediate layer and comprising fabric with a blend of approximately50% polyester and 50% cotton; printing on said top layer, said printinggraphically indicating an absorptive function of said coaster; and saidlayers being bonded together by one or more bonds and chosen from amongthe group comprising adhesive, stitching and mechanical bonds.